Abstract: In a method for encoding successive frames of a digital motion video signal in the form of compressed digital data including an intraframe coded signal and a plurality of interframe coded signals, a first frame of the digital motion video signal is encoded to form one of an intraframe coded signal and an interframe coded signal to produce a compressed digital signal; the compressed digital signal is decoded to form a decoded signal; a plurality of predicted video signal frames are produced representing a second frame of the digital motion video signal other than the first frame, at least one of the plurality of predicted video signal frames being produced with the use of the decoded signal and a motion vector representing motion between frames of the digital motion video signal; the plurality of predicted video signal frames are compared with the second frame of the digital motion video signal for producing a plurality of difference data each corresponding with a respective one of the plurality of predicted v

Abstract: A method of controlling remote control electronic apparatus coupled to a network and a remote control electronic apparatus to be coupled to a network are disclosed. Each remote control electronic apparatus has a CPU and a ROM including a local control program expressed by an independent language which is interpretable by the CPU, a remote control program expressed by a virtual language, a virtual language processing program for processing the virtual language to make it interpretable by the CPU. When one remote control electronic apparatus is required to control another remote control electronic apparatus coupled to the network, the remote control electronic apparatus requests to transmit the remote control program of another remote control apparatus.

Abstract: Call processing apparatus for queuing calling parties waiting to be connected to a service position, and for calculating queue position data or wait time data and transmitting the queue data to the calling parties. The queued calling parties can also reach alternate destinations by inputting digit information for routing queued calling parties to such destinations.

Abstract: .[.There is disclosed an aqueous dispersed solution as a standard solution for determining lipid levels, having a dispersion form and a particle size, which are similar to those of serum lipids. A lipid-dispersed solution is obtained by evaporating an organic solvent from a mixture prepared by adding cholesterol, a phospholipid, a bile acid or bile acid salt, and a neutral lipid and/or a cholesterol ester in the organic solvent, swelling the resultant thin-film like mixture with water or buffer heated at a temperature higher than a phase transition temperature of the lecithin, and then dispersing the solution by a physical shear force. There can be easily obtained a solution having a cholesterol concentration of about less than 1,000 mg/dl, which is extremely stable and can be stored for a long period of time..]. .Iadd.There is disclosed an aqueous dispersed solution as a standard solution for determining lipid levels, having a dispersion form and a particle size, which are similar to those of serum lipids.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition that inhibits the growth of tumors and cancers in mammals comprising fungicide is disclosed. The particular fungicide used is a 1,3-bis-triazolyl-2-propanol derivative. These compositions are also effective against viral infections.

Abstract: A water-soluble monoazodye having the following formula (I) in its free acid form: ##STR1## wherein X is --CH.dbd.CH.sub.2 or --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 W wherein W is a leaving group removable by alkali; R.sup.1 is methyl, --NHCONH.sub.2 or --NHCOT.sup.1 wherein T.sup.1 is methyl, ethyl, --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 COOH or --CH.dbd.CHCOOH; R.sup.2 is hydrogen, lower alkyl or lower alkoxy; and Z is ##STR2## wherein P is cyano or halogen, each of Q and U which are independent of each other, is halogen, V is halogen or ##STR3## and Y is halogen or a group of the following formula (1) or (2): ##STR4## wherein R.sup.3, A, R.sup.4 and E are as defined in the disclosure and G is as defined above, has a moderate yellow to orange color and is particularly suitable for dyeing cellulose fibers or nitrogen-containing fibers.

Abstract: A system and method for anterior fixation of the spine utilizes a cylindrical implant engaged in the intradiscal space at the cephalad and caudal ends of the construct. The implants are cylindrical fusion devices (10) filled with bone material to promote bone ingrowth and fusion of the disc space. An attachment member (40) is connected to each of the fusion devices (10) and a spinal rod (50) is connected to each of the attachment members using an eyebolt assembly (53, 54, 55). In a further inventive method, a revision of the construct is achieved by removing the fusion devices. Each fusion device is engaged by an elongated guide member (62) over which a cylindrical trephine (70) is advanced. The trephine (70) is used to extract a core (84) of bone material around the fusion implant, while the guide member (62) is used to remove the bone core (84) containing the fusion implant (10). In another aspect of the invention, a removal insert (90, 90') is provided that engages an implanted fusion device (10).

Abstract: A garment with a magnetic vent closure comprises a clothing, a magnetic flipper, a vent window, a ferrous element and a removably attaching element. The magnetic flipper extends from a predetermined portion of the clothing and has a first end and a second end. The first end is detachably attached on the clothing and the second end is fixedly attached on the clothing, and the first end of the magnetic flipper comprises a magnetic element fixedly attached thereon. The vent window forms a part of the clothing and has a plurality of vent holes therethrough and the magnetic flipper is detachably applied over the plurality of vent holes. The ferrous element maintains the vent window in an opened state by magnetically capturing the first end of the magnetic flipper.

Abstract: A disposable girl's top including a elastic system which is under tension and a ruffle which forms an edge of the elastic structure whereby the curl up of the structure is minimized.

Abstract: A counterpressure garment for blood supplied tissue is provided and comprises a spring capable of being in pressure contact with the tissue; and a supportive material covering at least a part of the spring. Also provided by the present invention is a space suit glove for a hand which comprises a spring capable of being in pressure contact with the palm of the hand; and a supportive material covering at least a part of the hand, with the supportive material being capable of exerting a force on the spring.

Abstract: A removable weather guard or sunshade enables easy attachment and repositioning relative to a cap. The weather guard hangs from an upper edge of an inner band common to most caps. Specifically, the weather guard has staying tabs with downwardly depending elements. The staying tabs are affixed to an upper portion of a flexible shield at an attachment location. The attachment location rests on the upper edge of the inner band while the downwardly depending elements are interposed between the headband and the cap's crown and the shield is disposed between the headband and the head of a wearer.

Abstract: A simulated shoulder is provided for purposes of creating a costume. The shoulder includes a platform having an upper and a lower surface, horizontally disposed support columns defining the periphery of the shoulder platform, and a head supporting structure attached to the upper surface for support of an inflatable bladder. The inflatable bladder is attached to the head supporting structure and simulates a head or supports a costume mask. An elongated support column extends downwardly from the platform. The support column is attached at one end to the platform and spaced apart a sufficient lateral distance so as to accommodate a wearer's head. There is also provided an adjustable flexible strap attached to the support columns to hold the structure to a wearer and for supporting the shoulder platform.

Abstract: A free-size hat is capable of fitting wearers having a range of head sizes. The free-size cap including both cap and hat regardless of the fabric can provide a free-size function by accommodating various head sizes of the wearers with slits being formed on the crown and the brim. The structure of the present invention permits either a hat or a cap to be designed which is produced easily, attractive in use or other time by keeping shape, comfortable for the wearer by causing no oppression, and further provides the advantageous feature of multiple size capability.

Abstract: A golf ball marker or other small article that is attracted by the force of magnetism is carried in open display on a fabric article of clothing or other fabric accessory. The ferrous article remains in position on the clothing due to the force of magnetism. To produce this effect, a permanent magnet is secured in position on the fabric article, often in contact with a concealed side of a layer of fabric of which the fabric article is formed. A golf ball marker, golf divot repair tool, golf pencil with a ferrous band, or other article that is constructed of or which includes a ferrous material is placed into contact with an exposed layer of the fabric to which the permanent magnet is secured. The ball marker or other article is held by the force of magnetic attraction that typically acts through the fabric layer of material from the concealed side thereof to create a magnetic field on the visually exposed side of the fabric material.

Abstract: Suspenders for suspending trousers. The suspenders include straps and hooks generally fixed at ends of the straps. At least one of the hooks has a strap-hold at a first end thereof for engaging at least one of the straps and a hook portion at a second end thereof for engaging at least one loop on the trousers. The strap-hold has a longitudinal axis and the hook portion extends in a direction which is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the strap-hold. The hook portion is configured to generally facilitate hooking of the hook portion on the at least one loop on the trousers.

Abstract: A protection for a player on skates, mainly meant to protect the player's neck, having the quality especially to protect against cuts caused by the skate blade. The protection is a flexible safety equipment to be fitted around the neck and having at least one joint (8) which can be opened so that the protection can be put on the neck and taken off the neck. The protection includes a fastening device (3) in order to be joined to a helmet (1) and at least a portion of the protection material is flexible woven fabric.

Abstract: A portable male urinal assembly includes a conventional portable male urinal, having a urine receiving reservoir and a spout extending therefrom with an inlet in the spout for receiving the urine, and a urinal attachment having a valve assembly contained therein being secured in fluid communication to the inlet of the spout. The urinal attachment may be secured to the inlet of the spout either by friction fit, snap fit or threads securing the attachment to the inlet. The valve assembly includes a valve element, a hinge pin and a torsion spring for biasing the valve element into position. The urinal attachment may be composed of a bendable resilient material and the reservoir may be composed of a flexible material.

Abstract: A deodorizing toilet seat pad comprises essentially an ozone-generating means, a toilet seat pad, a base plate, a fan, and an active carbon container. Wherein, said ozone-generating means is provided on the rear end of said toilet seat, while said toilet seat pad is engaged pivotally on said ozone-generating means and is assembled tightly with said base plate such that a hollow channel is formed between said base plate. One or more air scoops are provided at the inner peripheries of said toilet seat pad and said base plate. Said fan is mounted at the air outlet on said ozone-generating means. Said active carbon container is provided on the outside of said fan.

Abstract: A sanitary clip-on handle arrangement that may be clipped onto a toilet seat when needed by a user. The clip-on handle includes a handle portion that is fixed to a clip portion. The clip portion provides a clamping arrangement that may be operated by a user to enable the clip-on handle to be temporarily clipped onto a hinge mounted toilet seat for use in lifting and lowering the toilet seat. The handle portion may be rotatable fixed to the clip portion to be movable between a first extended position enabling a person to easily grasp the handle portion, to a second tucked position that is less obtrusive, to a third, even less obtrusive position for storage of the handle portion.

Abstract: A multi-purpose water pressure plunger is provided having an adjustable valve with a regulating lever that is attached to a handle. The handle is connected to an anti-backflow valve. The anti-backflow valve is removably connected to a plunger head that is made of a soft, pliable material that can easily deform to a desired shape so as to form a seal within a drain or pipe.

Abstract: An auxiliary strainer that covers the large openings of a stall shower drain strainer that will protect against the loss of earrings and small valuables in the shower as well as protect against broken toes and fingers of curious children. The strainer with approximately 160 holes of 1/8 inch plus a larger center resilient hole is snapped to a ball on the end of a weighted rod that drops into the existing shower drain strainer.

Abstract: A self-adjusting control device for a flushing system mechanism borne by a stirrup and provided with pivoting arms actuated by fingers borne by pull-handles for flushing the water, the water flush control being provided via rods acting on the head of the pivoting arms, by externally accessible control knobs on the water flushing apparatus lid. The device comprises: a housing (16) containing the control knobs (19, 20), provided with a thread pitch (p1); an insert (14), integral in rotation with the housing (16) provided with a thread pitch (p2); a fitting (25) borne by the insert (14) carries the pivoting axis (26) of the arms (10, 11); the thread pitches (p1, p2) are in the ratio p1/p2 =L1/L2 of the vertical projections of the distances from the axis of the finger (33, 34) (L1) to the contact points (31, 32) of the heads (29, 30) of the arms (10, 11) and the rods (21, 22), and (L2) to the pivoting axis (26) of the arms (10, 11).

Abstract: A hand held bidet and organizing storage cabinet assembly for providing discreet concealment of a hand held bidet and washroom supplied. The hand held bidet and organizing storage cabinet assembly includes a housing comprising an open front face. The housing is adapted for coupling to a support structure proximate a toilet. A substantially horizontal shelf extends longitudinally through an interior space of the housing. A nozzle comprises a handle whereby the nozzle is holdable in a hand of a user. A flexible water conduit comprises a distal end coupled to the nozzle for delivering water for dispersal through the nozzle. The nozzle is positionable for use as a bidet when the user is seated on the toilet. A tray is coupled to an interior bottom face of the housing. The tray is slidable to extend outwardly through the open front face of the housing to define an extended position. The tray is positionable fully within an interior space of the housing to define a storage position.

Abstract: A curtain apparatus includes a flexible pocket assembly which includes a transparent front panel portion, hook reception channels located at a top portion of the flexible pocket assembly, pocket sealing members attached to the flexible pocket assembly for sealing the flexible pocket assembly, and article stabilizer pins attached to the flexible pocket assembly for restraining motion of articles placed in the flexible pocket assembly. An article is retained in the flexible pocket assembly and is connected to the article stabilizer pins. The article is a flat decorative sheet. The flexible pocket assembly includes a flexible transparent first sheet which includes a first top edge, a pair of first side edges, and a first bottom edge. The flexible pocket assembly also includes a flexible second sheet which includes a second top edge, a pair of second side edges, and a second bottom edge.

Abstract: Folding furniture for recreational vehicles (RVs). The furniture includes a seating portion, a back portion, two sets of foldover arms, and a pair of hinging brackets. The seating and back portions have a front edge, left and right side edges, and a rear edge, and have an upper surface and a lower surface. Each set of foldover arms includes two non-straight arm portions, each with a seating portion connecting end and a back portion connecting end. The seating portion connecting ends are pivotally connected to the side edges of the seating portion, and the back portion connecting ends are pivotally connected to the side edges of the back portion, to form a pivotally attached together seating and back portion.

Abstract: A blanket elevation device including a pair of spacers that are positioned between the upper mattress and the lower box spring at a foot of the bed on opposing sides thereof for supporting a blanket at a raised elevation with respect to an upper surface of the upper mattress.

Abstract: An x-ray trauma board having a rigid, flat, radiolucent, substantially transparent top support separated from a flat, rigid base by a plurality of spacers along either side of the board, leaving spaces along either side of the board through which an x-ray cassette may be inserted. The top support, base, and spacers define an open space in which the cassette may be positioned. The top support is hinged to the spacers along one side of the board for raising and lowering of the top support.

Abstract: A bed including a frame, an articulating deck on the frame having head, seat, and foot deck sections, and a mattress on the deck. The deck foot section and mattress foot portion have a first length when the foot section is in the up position and a second length shorter than said first length when the foot section is in the down position. A first driver varies the length of the deck foot section, and a second driver moves the foot section relative to said seat section between the generally horizontal up position and the generally vertically downwardly extending down position.

Abstract: An articulated table for supporting a person is comprised of a frame with legs, an articulated tabletop supported by the frame, and a motorized actuator assembly under the tabletop. The tabletop includes a pivotable torso section hinged to a fixed seat section, which is hinged to a pivotable upper leg section, which is hinged to a pivotable lower leg section. The actuator assembly includes first and second pairs of actuating linkages for respectively moving the torso and upper leg sections. Each actuating linkage is comprised of a power axle spaced from a follower axle. A crank arm extends orthogonally from the power axle. A lifting arm extends orthogonally but unevenly in different directions from the follower axle. Rotation of the crank arm is transmitted to the lifting arm by a connecting arm pivotally connected between the crank arm and a shorter section of the lifting arm. A roller is attached to the end of the longer section of the lifting arm.

Abstract: A supporting article (1;12) for comforting support of body parts and made of at least two layers (2;15) of web material welded together, which defines at least one compartment. The at least one compartment is made as an air channel (3;14) extending by a greater part of the periphery (4;15) of the article and is crossed by a valve means (5;16). Furthermore, the air channel defines a central area (6;17) of intermediary material. Hereby, a particular comforting support is achieved, which secures a stable positioning of the head or parts of a body.

Abstract: An elongated guide member is supported by a support system over a bed. The guide member has an elongated cavity with a slot formed in its lower wall leading to the cavity. The slot has a plurality of spaced apart enlarged openings along its length. A plunger is provided which has a first portion located in the cavity and a second portion extending through the slot for movement along the length of the cavity and slot. Biasing means is provided for normally urging the first portion of the plunger toward the upper side of the cavity to normally maintain the first portion of the plunger in the cavity.

Abstract: A mattress top assembly for a mattress includes a pad filled with cushioning material and a plurality of connector straps attached along the head, foot, arid side edges of the pad and removably connected to the side wall of the mattress. The mattress includes one part of a cooperable fastener generally midway between top and bottom surfaces, on the side walls of the mattress, for detachable connection of each of the straps thereto.

Abstract: An air sac for use on a low air loss bed. The air sac is provided with a releasable connector for retaining the air sac to the low air loss bed and with a nipple for receiving air from a gas supply source to inflate the air sac. The air sac is also provided with a cutout which allows the patient to be rolled toward one end of the air sac when the air sac is inflated, A pillar is provided on the end of the air sac toward which the patient is rolled when the air sac is inflated to retain the patient on the air sac. The air sacs are arranged in sets with every other sac mounted to the frame of the low air loss bed in alternating arrangement whereby the patient is rolled first in one direction when the air sacs of one set are inflated and then back in the other direction when the air sacs in the first set are deflated and the air sacs in the second set are inflated.

Abstract: A pneumatic mattress includes a number of air envelopes and a base pad having two side portions secured to the air envelopes with a number of fastener nuts and fasteners which may solidly secure the air envelopes to the base pad. A number of couplers are engaged between the side portions of the base pad and the fasteners for reinforcing purposes. An air pump is coupled to the air envelopes with a number of air valves and one or more hoses. A relief valve is engaged in the hose for discharging the air in the air envelopes quickly.

Abstract: The present invention resides in a multi-function tool which combines a writing implement with a letter opener and a staple puller. The staple puller and letter opener are either formed integrally with the elongated body of the writing implement, or are formed on a removable cap that may be placed over either end of the elongated body.

Abstract: A screwdriver includes a handle, a shank, and a locating seat which is provided with a plurality of receiving holes for receiving a tip. The shank is provided at the free end thereof with an opening for fastening the tip. The handle is provided with a through hole which is in communication with one of the receiving holes of the locating seat and is extended to reach the bottom end of the handle. The handle is further provided with a longitudinally-oriented slot in communication with the through hole. An expandable magnetic rod is received in one of the receiving holes, the through hole and the slot such that the expandable magnetic rod is fastened by a screw, and that a magnetic tip of the expandable magnetic rod is exposed from the seat. The handle is further provided with a cover.

Abstract: A torque current component and an exciting current component of primary AC currents which are supplied to a stator of a three-phase induction motor are commanded independently of each other in accordance with a command rotational angular velocity and a rotational angular velocity of the three-phase induction motor rotating an agitator, and the rotational angular velocity of the three-phase induction motor is controlled by changing the magnitude and frequency of each of the primary AC currents. Furthermore, a test operation is carried out by giving the command angular velocity so as to make constant the angular velocity of the motor, and the laundry amount is estimated corresponding to an output torque of the motor in the test operation.

Abstract: A dock leveler includes a pivotally mounted ramp and a lip member pivotally mounted to the distal end of the ramp and moveable between an extended position and a depending position for forming a path between a loading dock and a loadbed of a vehicle. A motor operated linear power screw type actuator is connected to the ramp for moving the ramp to an elevated position and includes an extensible tube member which is engageable with a second tube in telescoped relationship in such a way that the actuator tube may be controlled to be retracted after positioning the ramp to engage the loadbed of a vehicle so that the actuator is not subject to forces exerted by the ramp during oscillatory movement while the vehicle is being loaded or unloaded. In one alternate embodiment the actuator is connected to an intermediate link to allow the pivotal movement of the ramp without exerting damaging forces on the actuator.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning tubs filled with a liquid, wherein a suction device which can be moved by a drive communicating with a delivery pipe is arranged on a base of the tub. The drive is operated by a pressurized fluid and drives a water wheel which is non-positively coupled to a displacement device contacting the base of the tub. A filter unit is connected to a suction pipe of the suction device. The suction device has a guide system for to and from movements and a two-way valve is actuated by limit switches for alternative opening of a passage for reversing movement of the water wheel. The apparatus can be used in a washer chamber of an aeration plant.

Abstract: A floor care machine such as a burnisher may operate in a manual or automatic mode for controlling the operating pressure of the working unit, such as a brush or pad. The illustrated machine has a motor and pad driver assembly mounted for height adjustment by an actuator. In the automatic mode, a transducer senses motor current (i.e., load) and generates a signal representative of the actual operating pressure exerted by the pad on the floor. A microprocessor-based controller controls the actuator to adjust the height of the pad relative to the floor, and thus adjusts the pad pressure on the floor, according to a setting selected by the operator. The controller is programmed to reduce the effect of "hunting" by entering a Lock Mode after operation has achieved predetermined conditions. System operation remains in the Lock Mode as long as other criteria are met, and operation returns to a Hunt Mode if these other criteria are not met.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning disk-shaped workpieces while positively rotating them by a large driving force is equipped with a simple, efficient driving means, a cleaning mechanism 18 for cleaning workpieces W individually formed of an endless driving belt 19 for forcibly rotating a workpiece around an axis, and a pair of cleaning rollers 20 and 20 for clamping both surfaces of a rotating workpiece W from both sides to clean it, the driving belt 19 being curved in the circumferential direction of the workpiece W so as to be brought into linear contact with the outer periphery of the workpiece W.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rotating brush for surface treatment of working pieces. The rotating brush includes a brush fitting clamped between two clamping disks. The brush is so designed that the two clamping disks present on their opposing sides an axial shoulder of such inside and outside diameters that, when the disks are secured to each other, the axial shoulders of the one engages into that of the other to form an assembly, thereby forming a cylindrical holding element in which the brush fitting is inserted.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of surface-structured bristle material from plastic by extruding a monofilament. Before or during extrusion a granular material is admixed with a thermally melted first plastics material forming the main component of the monofilament. The granular material comprises a second plastics material, which has a higher thermal strength than the first plastics material. The particle size of the granular material is such that the monofilament, during a subsequent stretching, is subject to a greater transverse contraction in cross-sections where there is little or no granular material than in cross-sections containing granular material. A disclosed bristle included a surface structure from a first plastics material forming the main component of the bristle and in which is embedded in a substantially completely covered manner a granular material of a second plastics material, the granular material forming a structuring on the bristle surface.

Abstract: A hand-held scraper having a handle section and a relatively short scraping section carried by the handle section. The scraping section has a forwardly directed scraping edge. A hand grip is carried by the handle section and extends upwardly from the top surface of the handle section. The scraper has a forearm support section which extends rearwardly from the base section in a position to rest solely against the bottom of a person's forearm when the person grips the hand grip of the scraper to operate the scraper.

Abstract: A paint brush accessory mountable on a paint brush includes a planar shield having a first edge and an opposed second end. A guide is carried on the shield adjacent the first edge for sliding engagement with a surface or edge to enable the shield to be guided in a straight line at an angle along the surface or edge. The guide is formed with an exterior surface disposed at an angle with respect to the plane of the shield to hold the shield at a constant angle from an adjoining wall when the first edge of the shield in engaged with a surface or edge. A holder is pivotally coupled to the second end of the shield to enable pivotal movement of the first end of the shield between a first position adjacent the bristles of a paint brush and a second position spaced from the bristles. The holder is releasibly mountable on the paint brush handle.

Abstract: The wiper system with translational motion is additionally capable of moving the wiper arm in angular motion at an auto stop position so that the wiper blade may be stowed away from the view of the vehicle operator when the wiper system is not in use. The retracted position may be defined immediately below the lower edge of the windshield. When a mist switch is turned on so as to effect a quick wiping action, the wiper arm can angularly move from the retracted position to the upright position. When the wiper arm is already in the translational motion, turning on of the mist switch may increase the speed of the translational motion. To prevent the wiper blade from obstructing the view of the vehicle operator in an intermittent mode, the position of the temporary stop of the wiper blade may be selected at the reversing position which is remote from the vehicle operator.

Abstract: A wiper blade for a windshield wiper blade refill includes a crown located at the top of the wiper blade. The bottom of the wiper blade has a windshield-engaging lip. A neck extends from the crown toward the lip, and the neck increases in width in a direction away from the crown.

Abstract: The invention relates to a soil processing machine comprising a driveable soil processing device (5) with a non-circular processing encompassing at least one processing body (5a, 5b) and preferably also comprising a following suction strip (25') which can pivot d a vertical axis in relation to said soil processing machine. The invention is characterized in that the soil processing machine (5) can around a vertical rotational axis (19) in addition to the corresponding pivoting non-circular processing surface depending upon the ion of travel.

Abstract: A swivel caster assembly is provided with a releasable locking mechanism which selectively locks the caster assembly against rotation. A leg bushing used to support the leg of an associated appliance such as a baby stroller is rotatably supported by a caster body. The caster body has an upwardly extending locking lug recess, a transverse access aperture passing through the recess, and a transverse axle aperture. A locking lug is slidably received within the recess, and is maneuvered to a fully extended locking position and a retracted unlocking position by an arm member pivotally secured to the caster body. Force transfer between the arm member and the lug is through a spring. A locking collar is secured to the leg bushing and has a downwardly opening notch for engaging the upper end of the locking lug when extended. A pair of detent bosses extend outwardly from the caster body and engage with detent apertures formed in the arm member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved handle for luggage in which the locking button of the retractable handle is disposed on the top of the handle. The top surface of the handle has an arch shape which slopes from one side to the other. The protrudent height of the button is flush with the higher side of the slope, so that the button will not be actuated unintentionally and the towing tubes will not be retracted unexpectedly when the handle is held while pulling or pushing the luggage.